Overview & Reviews
Buick has been on the upswing the past few years, introducing new models that are much more desirable than its mediocre past products. The Buick Enclave was one of the first vehicles to point Buick in the right direction.
The Enclave shares a platform with GM's latest group of large crossovers and features an upscale interior, a powerful 3.6-liter V6 and plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. If you're looking for a new or used large luxury crossover SUV with a number of family-friendly features -- such as a roomy cabin with easily accessed and adult-friendly third-row seats -- the Enclave is one of the better choices available.
Current Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover SUV powered by a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.
There are three trim levels: Convenience, Leather and Premium, all with standard seven-passenger seating. An available second-row bench seat increases capacity to eight.
The Enclave with Convenience Group comes with 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration and OnStar. The Leather Group adds 19-inch wheels, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat and driver memory settings. The Premium trim level features lane-departure and forward collision warning systems, active headlights, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Option highlights include 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a dual-panel sunroof.
In reviews, we've praised the Enclave's spacious and pleasant interior, with its gently curving dash, rich-looking wood-grain inlays and soft, double-stitched leather. Adding interest are a Tiffany-style analog clock and aqua blue instrumentation. Access to the third row is excellent, with second-row seats that tilt and slide out of the way, and there are a useful 23 cubic feet of space behind the upright third-row seat. Folding down both rows yields a class-leading 115 cubic feet of cargo space. If you need more space for people or cargo, you won't find it in another crossover.
The Buick Enclave's V6 provides quick acceleration, along with a mildly sporty exhaust note. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. On the highway, the Enclave is quiet and smooth-riding, though some buyers may find that the optional 20-inch wheels degrade the ride noticeably. Overall handling is competent and predictable, though not necessarily the equal of its more driver-oriented (or smaller) rivals.
Used Buick Enclave Models
The Buick Enclave debuted for the 2008 model year and overall, any used Enclave will be a solid choice for an upscale, family-friendly crossover SUV.
In its first year, the V6 had a lower output of 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. The following year welcomed the direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 (power increased to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque) as well as other upgrades that included Bluetooth connectivity and a traffic feature for the navigation system. Until 2010, there were just two trim levels – base CX and luxury CXL. Also, for the first two model years the transmission could be lazy to downshift due to its fuel-economy-biased programming. For 2010, the transmission was reprogrammed for quicker response. Additionally, Enclaves from 2008-'12 have slightly different exterior styling than the current model as well as some lower-quality switchgear.
The Enclave's current, more descriptive trim levels of base, Convenience, Leather and Premium arrived for 2012. Two years later saw the addition of the lane departure and forward collision warning systems.
User Reviews:
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Love new Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Gayle - May 7 - 10:40 amI have owned my new 08 Buick Enclave, CXL AWD, less than a week and so far I love it. I live in a rural community and everywhere I go is a trip (an hour to the nearest Wal-Mart)and the comfort of the Enclave is wonderful. It has a quite smooth stable ride and is easy to handle. For me, all the controls are easy to use and within my reach.
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New Buick Enclave - 2016 Buick Enclave
By Hank W. - February 29 - 2:11 pmThis car is larger than most so called midsize SUVs. Electronics at this trim level may be intimidating. You wont be able to instantly use all features without reading the owners manual,...several times. There are very few features the cares does not have. Its loaded. The only complaint so far with the electronics is the navigation system. It doesnt understand my southern dialect. Half the time I have to manually key in destinations as opposed to speaking them. I hope that time will enable the system to learn my voice. Creature comforts are impeccable. Seats are a little stiff compared to my Town Car but I expect them to loosen up over time. Leg room is the best out there, bar none, particularly the second row seating. Even the third row seating is adequate for relatively short trips. Noise levels are on a par with most luxury cars, quiet. Power is adequate for a vehicle this size but will not snap any necks. So far, fuel economy is on the low end of the manufacturers estimate, about 16 around town, 18 overall. I have only achieved 20 on the highway. so far I like the car very much.
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Buick Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Needles - December 18 - 4:53 amExcellent vehicle, fun to drive. Good acceleration for a crossover. Quiet smooth ride. Plenty of extra features, XM, backup camera, etc.
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Great SUV - 2008 Buick Enclave
By very happy - December 5 - 4:06 amI test drove the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave. As soon as I was in the Enclave I had made up my mind. Very quiet interior, great looks on the outside, great standard features as compared to the other two, and nice option packages. I find the power to be more than enough and can tow 4500 pounds with the towing package. I dont need a V8 and dont want to sacrifice the milelage. I traded in a Honda for a Buick...I would never had believed that was possible. I could not be more pleased. I am driving a great looking car (people are asking me all the time what it is) that is very comfortable. The sound system is great and when the radio is on you feel like you are in your living room.
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A Must Have! - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Rodder - November 29 - 2:30 amOwned a 2000 Jimmy, & my wife wanted something new. I actually wanted a GMC Acadia since they came out but also looked at Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler and Mitsubishi SUVs and crossovers. Needed something that could tow my boat, haul my 2 sons and their instruments (Cello & an upright Bass) and room for 2 big dogs. The dealer had a couple of Enclaves on the lot so we test drove one - it became a must have. Nothing else that fit our requirements compared. We bought one in Moca w/ Ebony leather, sun roof, (the wifes must have and 2 are better than one) and the 4500# towing package. So far, after 1500 miles of mostly around town w/ some expreesway driving we are getting 18.5MPG - pleasently suprised
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Love my Enclave - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Terie - November 4 - 9:03 pmWe looked at the CX-9 and thought that was as good as it got, until we found the Enclave, which is a super sized CX-9. The Enclave is so much more though, we bought the 8 passenger seating, which we could not get in the CX-9 and it still feels like we have lots of space. I really enjoy the roominess of the front seating area and love the looks of the Enclave. This is the best vehicle we have ever bought and doubt we could top it anytime in the near future, we are spoiled! It was worth the six month wait!
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GM Gets it Right - 2008 Buick Enclave
By John - September 8 - 9:50 amDrivers who have abandoned domestics for foreign makes need to return to the fold. The quiet and comfortable ride rival any sedan- foreign or domestic that I have rode in. As you walk around the car and notice the fit and finish, you have to remind yourself this is really a domestic. The leg and head room, safety features galore, and comfortable ride are really something.
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Love it - 2008 Buick Enclave
By Kim - August 1 - 7:50 pmAfter checking the Acura, Saturn and GMC crossovers we decided on the Enclave. We absolutely love it . Only two complaints I have so far is that it is so new some of the accessories are not available yet from Buick. (ie weather mats in matching interior color - only black are avail) The only other negative is the sluggishness when shifting. Other than that it is the best ride I have ever owned!
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Drop Dead Gorgeous - 2008 Buick Enclave
By smd - July 9 - 4:33 amI bought my Enclave in late February. I have never even considered a Buick, (always thought of as a grannys car), until I saw the Enclave. I knew it was what I wanted. I drove to many dealerships for about 5 months to see all the colors they had to offer before choosing. I have the White Diamond Tricoat and 19" chrome wheels. It is absolutely head-turning gorgeous. I drive my cars for a very long time (10-12 yrs) before buying a new one so I thought about it a long time before I was sure that this was what I wanted. Im glad I choose it. My kids love it. It it fully loaded with Cashmere leather. I get plenty of stares especially because the White Diamond is so hard to come by.
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Buick has raised the bar - 2018 Buick Enclave
By H Williams - June 22 - 7:40 pmPurchased the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir FWD after test driving the BMW X5 and Audi A7. Both the BMW and Audi are excellent vehicles but do not match the smooth quiet ride of the Avenir trim level of the Enclave. The interior gives the passengers an exceedingly quiet ride while moving effortlessly down the road. The sound system is just outstanding and the technology control panel is easy to learn and use. Passenger safety is enhanced with features that keep you at a safe distance from vehicles in front and blind spot awareness. Have not found a better value in this price range.
